Bury St Edmunds and the Wool Towns Truly Local Guide

Forget the guide books, here are some truly local tips about Bury St Edmunds & The Wool Towns that you won’t find anywhere else!

Beatrix Potter Connections

The famous children's author Beatrix Potter was a cousin of the Hyde Parker family, owners of Melford Hall, and visited this area often. As a result they are holding storytelling events at the stately home in 2018, bringing the world of Peter Rabbit and his friends to life, narrated by one of the local storytellers. There are number of treasured gifts from Cousin Beatie which still reside at the hall, including a number of paintings, sketches and the original model of Jemima Puddleduck which was gifted to the Hyde Parker children, as well as a little friend the 'Marmalade Cat'.

Britain's Smallest Pub... and most haunted?

The Nutshell proudly holds the title of smallest pub in Britain as confirmed in the Guinness Book of Records, with a bar that measures just 15ft by 7ft. Situated right in the centre of the town of Bury St Edmunds it has an exciting history and is full of interesting historical artefacts including many currency notes on the ceiling, to an aeroplane propeller on the walls and even a mummified cat! It is also recorded that the Nutshell is one of the most haunted buildings in the town! It was thought that a young boy died here under suspicious circumstances and in 1975 the landlord claimed he saw the small boy whilst upstairs. Locals have reported other paranormal activity in the building including smashed glasses and they also say that if you look at the windows of the pub you can still see the boy looking out.

Bury St Edmunds has much despair in amongst its history and there are many ghostly stories to be told, if you want to hear them? If you're the superstitious type why not try one of the Ghost & Macabre tours from the Bury Tour Guides which are held in the Winter months.

Award-Winning Beer

Most people have heard of Greene King, but there are a number of excellent small, craft breweries that offer high quality, distinctive beers and ales, including Nethergate Brewery just outside the town of Sudbury. They have a brewery shop and tap room and offer tastings and brewery tours. Our favourite is the infamous Old Growler which is the only beer to have won Overall Champion at the CAMRA Winter Beer Festival twice! Be sure not to miss out!

A Spot of Golf?

Tucked away in the pretty town of Clare is a 9-hole golf course. Situated beside the river Stour it is open to everyone and makes for an incredibly relaxing round of golf surrounded by stunning parkland. Make sure you take time out to enjoy a drink and a snack at the comfortable and Tee Room with panoramic views over the lake

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